Shashi Tharoor praises ‘Achappa’s Album,’ reveals film was shot at his ancestral home

Shashi Tharoor has revealed that portions of the newly released Malayalam film ‘Achappa’s Album’ were filmed at his ancestral residence, adding a personal touch to his appreciation of the project. The Congress MP shared his thoughts in a detailed social media post, calling the drama “a rare gem” that blends whimsy, emotion and nostalgia. 

Tharoor praises film’s story and craft

In his review, Tharoor described the movie as “a rare gem that manages to be both a whimsical time-travel adventure and a deeply moving exploration of the bonds that define us."

He also narrated the plot in his own words, writing, “The story follows a mischievous 14-year-old boy who, after one prank too many, is given a unique "correction" by his magician grandfather. Through a touch of magic, he swaps places with the 14-year-old version of his own father, a man who, in the present day, is a strict, workaholic stranger to his son. For 48 hours, they inhabit each other's eras, facing the unique pressures, joys, and heartaches of their respective teenage years. They return to the present not just as father and son, but as two people who finally see each other.”

Tharoor applauded director Deepti Pillay Sivan for handling the narrative with elegance, noting that the film “balances humour and sentiment perfectly” and features “lush and nostalgic” cinematography.

Ancestral home becomes part of the film’s visual identity

The MP also disclosed that the production shot several sequences at his family’s heritage residence, Mundarath House.

“I may be biased, but seeing parts of the film shot at my ancestral home, Mundarath House, was a surreal and proud moment. The house felt like a character itself, bridging the gap between generations," he shared.

The inclusion of the historic home, Tharoor said, added a layer of emotional resonance to his viewing experience.

Film lauded for heartfelt moments and emotional depth

Tharoor went on to highlight the film’s humour, charm and emotional weight.

“It is utterly charming and often laugh-out-loud funny, but it’s those moving moments — the quiet realizations of a father's past burdens or a son's hidden potential — that truly stay with you," he wrote, adding that in an era defined by spectacle, the movie proves “the greatest journeys don't require a spaceship; just a little magic and a lot of empathy."

The parliamentarian concluded his post by congratulating the cast and crew of ‘Achappa’s Album’, expressing admiration for their work and appreciation for the film’s message and craft. (IANS)